The third eye chakra, also known as Ajna or brow chakra, is the center of intuition and foresight. Located between the eyebrows, it is associated with the color indigo or deep blue. But why is this particular color assigned to the third eye chakra? In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the color of the third eye chakra.
What is the Third Eye Chakra?
In yoga and Hindu traditions, the third eye chakra is considered the sixth primary chakra out of seven. It is linked to the pineal gland, which produces melanin and regulates sleep through melatonin. As an energetic center, the third eye chakra governs intuition, imagination, wisdom, and the ability to see beyond the physical world.
When the third eye chakra is balanced and open, you may experience:
| – Enhanced intuition and insight |
| – Lucid dreaming and vivid visualization |
| – A sense of wisdom and inner knowing |
| – Being able to see different perspectives |
However, if the third eye chakra is blocked or imbalanced, you may struggle with:
| – Poor intuition and judgment |
| – Nightmares and difficulty visualizing |
| – Lack of imagination and mental flexibility |
| – Being overly rational and skeptical |
Keeping the third eye chakra open is crucial for tapping into deeper wisdom and perceiving beyond ordinary consciousness. The color associated with this chakra supports this higher awareness.
Why is the Third Eye Chakra Associated with the Color Indigo?
Each chakra corresponds to a different color of the rainbow. The sequence moves from red at the root chakra up to purple or white at the crown. The third eye chakra color is indigo: a deep, midnight blue with hints of violet. But what is the symbolic meaning behind this shade?
Psychic Abilities and Mystical Vision
Indigo has long been considered the color of psychic energy and paranormal abilities. Those with intuitive gifts or clairvoyance are sometimes said to have “indigo auras.” The pigment also represents the unseen realms and mystical vision. Dark blue light is thought to stimulate the third eye, bringing greater insight.
Wisdom, Truth, and Integrity
In many cultures, indigo stands for wisdom and integrity. In ancient Egypt, priests and pharaohs wore indigo headdresses to signify their status and connection to the Divine. As a bridge between red passion and blue calm, indigo encourages thoughtful truth. It provides mental clarity to cut through illusions.
The Night Sky and Stargazing
The deep midnight shades of indigo evoke images of the starry night sky. Looking up at the cosmos can open our consciousness and make us feel connected to the vast Universe. By gazing inward with “third eye vision,” we tap into our inner cosmos and infinite potential. Indigo reminds us to look within.
The Blue Light Filter
Natural indigo pigment absorbs and filters blue light. Just as indigo glasses block harsh light, the third eye chakra filters information from our senses. This gives us mental space for deeper insight. The indigo color points to discriminating between external stimuli and inner wisdom.
Higher Frequency Energy
Indigo corresponds to very high frequency wavelengths just outside the visible color spectrum. Psychics claim these are the frequencies of the enlightened third eye. The purer indigo shades resonate with our higher spiritual awareness and unlimited cosmic consciousness.
Indigo Throughout History
The unique and symbolic properties of indigo have made it precious throughout history:
| Culture | Use of Indigo |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt | Used to dye the robes of priests and pharaohs |
| Mayan Civilization | Sometimes used indigo in place of blood in sacrifices |
| Ancient Greece | Associated indigo with the goddess Athena and wisdom |
| Ancient Rome | Mark of aristocracy and success |
| Ancient Peru | Used in sacred temples and art |
| India | Long history as a dye, spice, and medicine |
| Asia | Symbol of immortality and spiritual knowledge |
Indigo dye was also pivotal to colonial trade and influenced many world cultures. The plant-based pigment was one of the chief exports from India under British imperial rule.
Today indigo remains an important color in Eastern traditions and New Age spirituality. Many associate it with the mystical third eye and respect its healing qualities.
Indigo Crystals and Stones for the Third Eye
Certain indigo-colored crystals and stones can also activate the third eye chakra. Some examples include:
| – Lapis lazuli |
| – Sodalite |
| – Blue fluorite |
| – Blue lace agate |
| – Kyanite |
| – Azurite |
| – Sapphire |
| – Iolite |
These stones carry the energy of indigo’s higher frequencies. Placing them on the forehead area, meditating with them, or even wearing indigo-colored crystal jewelry can empower the third eye. The steady vibration of these crystals helps open our inner vision to receive psychic messages and cherished wisdom.
The Science Behind Indigo and the Third Eye
Modern science is also looking at how indigo light affects the brain:
Indigo Wavelengths
Indigo wavelengths measuring around 445 nanometers presumably stimulate receptors in the third eye region. This corresponds to parts of the brain that produce hormones for sleep, dreaming, and intuition.
Effects on the Pineal Gland
As the “seat” of the third eye, the pineal gland regulates circadian rhythms through melatonin secretion. Studies show blue light suppresses melatonin at night while indigo wavelengths have less impact. This makes indigo ideal for third eye activation.
Studies on Meditation
Research on meditators shows indigo light and associated brainwave frequencies can deepen meditation. During spiritual practices, indigo may synchronize the brain for inner vision and access to the subconscious mind.
Blue Light Filtering
Blue light filtering glasses utilize indigo’s light-bending traits to block bright blue rays. This reduces eyestrain and overstimulation. Similarly, the third eye filters data from the outer world so we can better see within.
While research is preliminary, the subtle effects of indigo light on the brain, pineal gland, and sleep hormones help explain its relationship to the intuitive third eye.
How to Use Indigo to Balance the Third Eye Chakra
If you want to open, strengthen, or heal your third eye, indigo can be a useful color for focus and meditation. Ways to work with indigo include:
| – Put an indigo gemstone or eye pillow on your forehead during meditation |
| – Visualize indigo light filling your third eye as you chant the bija (seed) mantra “Om” |
| – Surround yourself with indigo in your home or clothing |
| – Do breathing exercises while focusing on the area between your eyebrows |
| – Practice divination with an indigo candle lit nearby |
| – Before sleep, gaze at a hypnagogic indigo image to stimulate dreams |
| – Try listening to solfeggio frequencies or binaural beats in the indigo range |
As you work with the color indigo, pay attention to any intuitive nudges, inner visuals, dream activity, or moments of insight. Over time, this can strengthen the energetic pathways of your third eye chakra.
Conclusion
So in summary, why is the third eye chakra associated with the color indigo? This deep midnight blue relates to our inner wisdom, psychic abilities, and higher consciousness beyond the five senses. Throughout history, cultures have recognized indigo’s mystical and spiritual symbolism. Modern research also supports its subtle effects on meditation, sleep, and the brain. By incorporating indigo into third eye meditations, we can open to our full intuitive potential and inner truth. The indigo light of the third eye guides us to see beyond ordinary perception and into infinite possibility.
